Setting up the Global Settings Lock (GSL)

Last updated: November 9, 2026

The Global Settings Lock (GSL) is a security feature that acts as the last line of defense if your sign-in password and Sign-in 2FA are compromised. When it’s on, it:

•
Prevents changes to your Kraken account.
•
Hides sensitive account information.

To see exactly what the GSL blocks and hides, read What is the Global Settings Lock (GSL)?.

Before you turn on the GSL

Once the GSL is on, you can’t add or change 2FA or your Master Key. Set both up first.

1
Set up Sign-in 2FA with a Passkey. Passkeys are phishing-resistant and more secure than an authenticator app. See Risks of using an authenticator app. Add more than one 2FA method so you always have a way back in. See How to enable Multiple 2FA.
2
Create a Master Key, and use a Passkey for it. Keep it on a different device from your Sign-in 2FA. For example, if your Sign-in 2FA Passkey is on your phone, create your Master Key Passkey on a Hardware Security Key. Never keep both in the same authenticator app.

Important: Set up a Master Key before you turn on the GSL. A Master Key set up before the GSL can turn it off immediately. Without one, you’ll have to wait out the full unlock period, and Kraken Support can’t shorten it.

How to set up the GSL

1
Sign in to your Kraken account on kraken.com, the Kraken app or Kraken Pro.
2
Go to your Security settings, then Advanced Settings.
3
Next to Global Settings Lock, click Activate.
4
In the Activate Global Settings Lock (GSL) window, use the Unlock period dropdown to choose how long the waiting period should be, from 1 to 29 days. The default is 3 days.
5
Click Activate. A message confirms your settings have been locked.

When the GSL is active, your Security settings show that it’s active, with a Deactivate button. To turn it off, you can wait out your unlock period, or use your Master Key to unlock right away.

Choosing your waiting period

The waiting period is how long an unlock takes if you don’t use a Master Key. The default is 3 days, and you can choose anything from 1 to 29 days. We’ll email you about any attempted unlock of the GSL on your account, and the waiting period is the time you have to act if it wasn’t you.

It’s also how long you’ll have to wait yourself if you lose your Master Key, or if you never set one up. Kraken Support can’t shorten it.